There is a laundry closet that has a full-size washer/dryer so you don't need to worry about bringing your things to a laundromat. For more information and questions, email onlinesales @alaskasealife.org. Fur seals are relatively uncommon wildlife response patients, and have not been cared for at the ASLC since 2017. Whittier is probably my least favorite and least recommended area to see whales in Alaska. Its a great activity to do as a family or on your own. If you do not show up for your reservation or you cancel less than 15 days before, the balance will be charged to your card. Most commonly sighted whales in this area are humpback whales and orcas, but you can occasionally see gray whales and fin whales. One tour favorite at Gull Island are Puffins. Homer, Alaska's most affordable tours with extremely satisfied clients. It's that easy! The horned puffin The Wolfs Den sleeps up to four. We have been watching them for years and they still make us smile every trip. We are passionate about sharing our little corner of the world with eachof our clients and strive to make each trip a unique experience. Whale watching in Alaska is one of my favorite summer activities and it should definitely be added on your Alaska bucket list. Click here to Learn more about wildlife tours, Click here to Learn more about bear viewing, Click here to Learn more about rental cars, Click here to Learn more about online gift shop, Click here to email centralcharters@gmail.com, Click here to view location 4241 Homer Spit Road With tables, padded seats, bunks, galley, head, and complete walk-around for outstanding comfort and sightseeing. Exactly - the OP can decide based on the info here. But the chances greatly increase when a person takes a PRIVATE tour. Then their priorities are It's that easy! Each trip is a wide ranging survey of sea birds in the bay and we delight in finding the odd and unexpected. One tour favorite at Gull Island are Puffins. Each summer, birds who spend the rest of their lives at sea, converge on offshore rocks or islands to produce their next generation of offspring. We enjoysharing our enthusiasm for birding with our clients whether they are new to the hobby or have been birding for years. Captain Karl is a passionate, life long birder and has been guiding our trips for almost a quarter of a century. This is the nearest place to Anchorage that you can see whales. We also supply things like: paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo and body wash, hand soap, dish-washing soap and detergent, napkins, basic condiments and spices, an assortment of teas and hot cocoa, basic coffee for brewing, and all necessary cooking utensilsall you should need to bring is your food. You may have other reasons for visiting Alaska outside of whale watching, so you may want to take all that into account. WebTwo species of puffins nest in Kenai Fjords National Park, the horned and the tufted. WebLocated within Denaina Enena, on the traditional homelands of the Denaina Athabascan people and the Native Village of Eklutna, the city combines wild Alaska beauty, convenient urban comforts, mesmerizing outdoor spaces, and captivating arts and culture. The most common whales to see in Alaska are humpback whales, killer whales, gray whales, and beluga whales. Gull Island hosts over 13,000 birds each summer and is a never ceasing hive of activity and abundant life. Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! If you book through VRBO or TripAdvisor or Airbnb, they will add an additional service fee. Last year, it was late August when I first spotted beluga whales as I was driving along Turnagain Arm. Sign up today! Most years, 8,000 Here are a few places many people visit to see whales in Alaska: One of the most common areas to see whales is along the Inside Passage. The F/V PUFFIN LADY is a 50 foot Delta with spacious heated cabin and windows all around. We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. This is a convenient location to Homer, yet you feel secluded; with great views of the Kachemak Bay, the Homer Spit, and the Kenai Mountains across the Bay. If you have any questions about our trips, please feel free to contact an Adventure Specialist today by calling 800-543-8917. Members receive 20% off the regular price of tours! How conservation travel has the power to protect wild places and the wild animals that depend on them. The Harding spills out in all directions in the form of glaciers. Obviously, every ride along is different but we always make a point to track down some Sea Ottersalong the way and will visit Gull Island if the routing permits. You can also hop on a boat or kayak to try and see whales. . One highlight of every trip is Sea Otter viewing. Help us save paper! WebOur first stop is at the Gull Island bird rookery, where you get up close and personal with up to 15,000 sea birds. 3-night minimum stay (rentals of less than 3 nights are, available upon approval if scheduling allows), A base rate of $275 per night includes up to four guests. The Yurt is built of vertical logs with a timber frame roof leading to a vaulted ceiling with a There are three popular ways to see whales while in Alaska: There are plenty of opportunities to see whales from the shore, but hopping on a day tour is a great way to see whales in Alaska. A one sentence summary ofthe tour could be"We look at cute Sea Otters,awesome puffins and other cool stuff in a beautiful place". One of the best things about whale watching in Alaska is the abundance of other marine life that you can see (depending on where you are in Alaska). WebScientists estimate 200,000 of these giant pinnipeds (the seal family) live in the Chukchi and Bering seas between Alaska and Russia. There is a one-time $90 cleaning fee as well as a 3% sales tax that is based on on the total amount of the rental. Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you dont miss out on future emails. We will be in Sitka next May and would like to do a tour that includes seeing puffins. Its possible to see humpback whales cruising around Kachemak Bay while standing on the beach. Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. WebThe Puffin Rustic, but elegant, this two-story log Yurt delivers the perfect Alaskan vacation. Your guide for every tour will be one ofBay Excursions two longtime, localcaptains, Karl and Gareth, who have guided these exact trips for 25+ and 15+ years respectively. Menu. A short film about the conservation challenges facing the wolves of Yellowstone. We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Beluga Point is a popular spot to stop on the Seward Highway and its only a 45-minute drive from Anchorage. Alaska is a great place to go whale watching because of how easily accessible it can be. Start with my Alaska Travel Guide. The multi-level cabin features a living room with a fireplace and kitchenette with a bedroom on the lower level. Do you have any questions about Alaska whale watching? The Twin Puffins is a beautiful log cabin nestled into the rolling hills that overlook Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains. This This is an experience youll only find at the Kenai Peninsula Suites in Homer, Alaska. We will do our best to accommodate any changes. Get the latest trail guides, travel tips, and more! To change or cancel your reservation, please call 888-378-2525 or email us at onlinesales@alaskasealife.org. Kenai Peninsula Suites features five rustic memorable cabins spread out over five beautiful acres overlooking Kachemak Bay offering you unobstructed views of mountains, coastline and volcanos in Homer, Alaska. If you prefer, you can book, contact us, or view our calendar at: https://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g31009-d4038987. Our tours are not pre-fixed routes. One of the best things about whale watching in Alaska is the abundance of other marine life that you can see (depending on where you are in Alaska). At that time of year the Kenai Fjords Tours operates their 6 hour tour Limited space available. WebThe Twin Puffins is a beautiful log cabin nestled into the rolling hills that overlook Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains. Mid-March to May This is the time to specifically see gray whales. WebTo book a reservation by phone please call our Reservation Hotline 1-888-378-2525. Ive been on multiple whale watching cruises in the area as well as a sailing trip to Thumb Cove with my friends and Ive always seen whales. WebHabitat. WebCome experience the sights of Homer Alaska, see the beauty, and meet the wildlife of Kachemak Bay. 4287 Homer Spit Rd, #2, Homer, AK 99603-8033. French doors open onto the partially-covered deck where you'll find a table and chairs, BBQ grill and a place to just relax and enjoy the view. Learn about the islands, fjords, and waterways as we cruise toward Seldovia. The larger, main bathroom has an oversized shower and a large vanity for personal items. Members receive 20% off the regular price of tours! Let us know and we can create a custom charter to accommodateyou. 3. Sir, Specifically, Seward. Between Cheval Island and 3 Hole Bay Bay. Best. BoatAk The Bears Den offer incredible sound-proofed privacy and eco-friendly grass roofs, and sleeps up to four people. These expressive and unbelievably cute critters are the focus of the first part of the tour. Take in breathtaking views of Kachemak Bay and snow-topped mountains from the 200-square-foot covered deck with hand-made chairs and a BBQ grill. 39135 Cannonball Circle, Homer, AK 99603, US. We've received your friend's information. I highly recommend driving this road anyways because its absolutely beautiful. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. 39135 Cannonball Circle, Homer, AK 99603, US (907) 229-7952 (call or text) If you prefer, you can book, contact us, or view our calendar at: VRBO- For more information and questions, email onlinesales@alaskasealife.org. We arrive in Seldovia around 1:00 p.m. Once in Seldovia, you have time to enjoy one of the many restaurants, or you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. Each bathroom has a heat/light/vent, and its own hair dryer. Its only because Ive never seen whales during any of the tours Ive been on. Enter the den from above using the circular staircase into a half-moon shaped, open living area. A new addition is a newly built Hideaway Cottage tucked amongst the trees within a short walk to downtown. Wrap yourself in down-to-earth luxury while immersed in the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Alaskas Kenai Peninsula. The Puffin sleeps up to four people. Relax in this rustic, Alaskan cabin with vaulted wood ceilings, custom spruce furniture, and breathtaking scenery through the picture windows. We take the time to join them as they go about the tasks of of their day which primarily consist ofeating copious amounts of food and napping (sometimes we feel a little envious). 8. We're Proud of the Reputation Weve Earned, Copyright 2022 Natural Habitat Adventures . This trip departs daily at 10:30 a.m. from the Homer Small Boat Harbor. WebA few blocks west, Town Square Park is a popular destination in all seasons: Catch live music and outdoor exercise classes in the summer, and ice skating and holiday lights displays in the winter. Fish the world renowned waters of Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay. We will make every effort to re book your dates so that you owe the least amount possible. WebThere are a dozen groomed and marked trails throughout the Homer area. The reality is that each day and each section of the season is different and that wild animals are unpredictable. Box 1329 , Seward, AK 99664, Phone: (907) 224-6300 Toll Free: (800) 224-2525 Fax: (907) 224-6320, Legal Name: Seward Association for the Advancement of Marine Science, 501 (c)(3) Tax ID: 92-0132479 Privacy Policy. Many people travel this route when theyre on an Alaskan cruise. We did get to see Dalls porpoises swim with the boat, which was pretty amazing. You have a chance to see sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, puffins, bald eagles, and tons of other shorebirds. It nests on coastlines and offshore islands from British Columbia (where they are rare) to Alaska, and southwest to the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kuril Islands. If you want to see whales in Homer, drive along the Homer Spit. Welcome aboard the Discovery or Rainbow Connection for an amazing tour of Kachemak Bay and the community of Seldovia. I don't need names of tour companies, but I am concerned about about actually seeing them. We offer a digital version of The World's Greatest Nature Journeys. Homer, Alaska 907-299-7450. Cook up freshly-caught halibut in your kitchen or on the private BBQ grill, then warm by the fireplace (in selected units). Hey MM#1, Sorry. No, I do not know. I have seen them in late Sept. Far fewer numbers for sure. Dependent on feed. Best BoatAk Excellent photo opportunities of glaciers, whales, porpoises, puffins, seals, sea otters and sea lions. Amenities of this 480-square-foot subterranean cabin include: These 480-square-foot underground luxury cabins offer incredible privacy, sound proofing, and eco-friendly grass roofs. Tours will be limited to a single group at a time for a flat-rate price on top of General Admission. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. During this time of the year, Alaska is a lot warmer and if youve ever been on a cruise or on a boat you know that being on the water is super cold. The tours are mainly focused on seeing glaciers, which are incredible to see regardless! WebDay cruises from Seward and Homer are great ways to see whales, sea otters, and sea lions. Private Tour: 2 Hours $730 (up to 6 passengers) Call for availability. Amenities include: WiFi, flat-screen TV with DVD and Roku player in the front room, a flat-screen with surround sound and DVD player in each bedroom; with a selection of movies and board games to keep you entertained if the weather keeps you indoors. And I wonder if the very early spring you guys are having will affect nesting times? BoatAk, if you or any of the other Seward locals have a chance The Marine Wildlife Tour is by far our most popular tour. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab gift card you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. PUFFIN LADY Alaska is huge and there are plenty of areas to see whales. You can also view some of our guest ratings and comments on these websites. Photo sessions and cleaning/filleting provided. Each portion of the season offers unique opportunities so if you are interested in specific species feel free to contact us and we canoffer our suggestions for the best times to look for them. This is the time of the year where you can see whales migrating around Alaska. Use the form to the right to get in touch with us. Reservations are strongly encouraged. The Eagles Nest has a private entrance with a staircase that leads into the spacious, open design. If you'd prefer a mailed copy, please provide your contact details, /know-before-you-go/alaska-northern-adventures/alaska/wildlife-guide/puffin/. Our guarantee to our clientsis to keep a keen eye out so that we can find the unique, wonderful and unexpected in each and every trip. Alaska has a variety of whales, including humpback whales, gray whales, killer whales (orcas), beluga whales, blue whales, minke whales, bowhead whales, bottlenose whales, fin whales, and sperm whales. To book a reservation by phone please call our Reservation Hotline 1-888-378-2525. The open floor plan features a den with beamed ceilings, a gas fireplace, a kitchenette and private bath. The kitchen is equipped with a stove/oven, basic coffee maker, toaster, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, and a full-size microwave oven. PHOTOS | MAPS | BOOKINGS. Kenai Fjords Kachemak Bay is also home to additional mammals such asHarbor Seals, Harbor Porpoise, and, occasionally, whales and Steller Sea Lions. Birding Tour WebAs many as 20,000 seabirds build nests in the craggy rock faces and cliffs of Gull Island, on the south side of Kachemak Bay about three miles from the Homer Spit. WebTheres so much to see and do in Kenai Fjords National Park, including seeing puffins, which are different from that of the Atlantic breeds off the shores of Alaska.Kenai Fjords National The second bedroom has two Twin beds that can be combined to make it a King. Less than 48 hours in advance: no refund or rescheduling. If you are susceptible to sea sickness, keep in mind that the ocean is typically a lot calmer in the morning, so I recommend choosing an earlier time in the day to go whale watching in Alaska. WebThe Alaska SeaLife Center admitted a northern fur seal pup to the Wildlife Response Program on January 31, 2023. The beluga whales will follow the salmon and hooligan runs and your best chances to see them are around high tide. Reservations are strongly encouraged. 2. Continue the tour of downtown green spaces at the Centennial Rose Garden, a lush enclave near the western end of the Delaney Park Strip. My favorite place to see whales in Alaska is in Resurrection Bay, which is the body of water that sits outside of Seward. The Yurt is built of vertical logs with a timber frame roof leading to a vaulted ceiling with a large skylight. Its possible to spot whales from the shoreline but nothing compares to the experiences you have seeing whales as you get to go further out in Resurrection Bay. Wealso offer afternoon options depending on the day. I did a search but couldn't find the exact info I'm looking for. Enter your email below to receive our awesome hotel deals right in your inbox! Outdoor Activities, Tours, Boat Tours & Water Sports, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Fishing Charters & Tours, Eco Tours. While I would highly recommend a Kenai Fjords wildlife/glacier cruise, either Kenai Fjords Tours mentioned above or Major Marine, those ships do no Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Bird Watching Well-known as a bird watching destination, there are ample opportunities to spot horned Earn rewards for referring your friends! Warm, rich and natural golden hues of native Alaskan spruce Alaskan halibut fishing that is unsurpassed! Puffins and Sea Otters - Review of Bay Excursions, Homer, If you cancel over 45 days before your reservation your deposit will be refunded minus a 10% processing fee. 2023 Andrea Kuuipo Abroad | All Rights Reserved. Limited space available. There is rarely a dull day on the baycome along and see for yourself During the course ofa normal day we go many unique places and see lots of interesting things. Explore the flagship travel blog of Nat Hab and WWF for conservation news, thrilling wildlife photos and more. The main reason why I recommend June and July as the best months to go whale watching in Alaska is simply for the weather! If you cancel 15 45 days before your stay, the 50% deposit will not be refunded. Thanks for requesting access to our digital catalog. Warm, rich and natural golden hues of native Alaskan spruce accentuate the interior. The puffins we see from the tour boats are ready for the breeding season. This ride was great for wildlife viewing. It really doesnt matter what time of the day you go whale watching because whales are active throughout the day. Weve received your request. I specifically booked an orca whale cruise one time, but unfortunately we didnt see any whales at all that day. . Mid-July to September This is the time to specifically see beluga whales. Need help planning a trip? Hear from our travelers and guides while watching exhilarating footage from our worldwide nature adventures. Explore the historic boardwalk, visitor center, museum, local trails, pick some berries, or just photograph the local beauty. 14. There is an additional fee of $25 for each additional guest (for a maximum of two). We depart Seldovia at 4:00 p.m. with a scheduled return time around 5:15 p.m. We are frequently delayed by whales or other awesome marine life along the way. Relax on the 200-square-foot porch, nestled in the trees, watching the eagles fly by, the fire blazing in the pit and sunsets that place a golden glow over everything in sight. These tours are also great for anyone interested in bird viewing. What is a rookery one might ask? One bedroom is equipped with a King bed and has an en suite bathroom with a full tub and shower. All equipment provided. The Twin Puffins. We could go on but we'd rather be birding. Web2 Hour Scenic Kachemak Bay Tour. Repeater Layout : Trip Details: Tours available daily beginning at 7AM. WebIn Kenai Fjords National Park, over half of the landmass is covered by the enormous Harding Icefield, a thousand-foot block of ice that dates back to the last Ice Age. Amenities of this adorable cabin in the trees include: Kenai Peninsula Suites3685 Sterling Hwy, Homer, Alaska 99603Phone: 907-299-7450Email: office@kenaipeninsulasuites.comhttps://www.kenaipeninsulasuites.com/. Vacation Rental Cabin. It is a nesting colony for sea birds. You can also sometimes see shore animals like mountain goats and bears. We encourage you to reschedule your reservation, if possible, as opposed to canceling. Homer, AK 99603. WebAlaska is a great place to go whale watching because of how easily accessible it can be. They spend the winter far at sea and are rarely seen from land until March. In the Bay, marine mammals such as Sign up today! WebExcellent photo opportunities of glaciers, whales, porpoises, puffins, seals, sea otters and sea lions. PUFFIN LADY CHARTERS P.O. See rules and fine print here. $99 Per Person. Learn more. 2-6 days in advance: 50% of reservation refunded or free rescheduling. Menu. No matter where you decide to go whale watching in Alaska its going to be very beautiful! Tours must be purchased in addition to General Admission tickets. Twin Puffins Our many years of experienceallow us make the most of your time on the bay. For more information and questions, email. Our Marine Wildlife Tours generally depart at 10:00 am. Marine Wildlife, SpecializedBirding and Ride Along. Click on a tour for more details. In this guide, Im sharing everything you need to know about Alaska whale watching, including the best time and place to see whales in Alaska. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. There are so many different landscapes to see, from the beautiful coastlines and forests to the insane amount of glaciers. I can only go by what Kenai Fjords Tours told me. They said they go by the islands where the Puffins are. Still even that is no guarantee. There is PUFFIN LADY . Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you dont miss out on future emails. One really good location to spot beluga whales along Turnagain Arm is actually a place called Beluga Point. Mountain Time. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Have a question or comment? Click on a tour for more details. This a great way to see the widest array of locations in the bay as well as to get a feel for everyday operations in semi-rural Alaska. WebCommon Name: Horned Puffin Scientific Name: Fratercula corniculata Distribution: The species is widespread in the North Pacific Ocean. 2 Hour Scenic Bay Tour. The island plays host to both the Tufted and Horned varieties and their bizarre and gaudy plumage is a sight to behold in person. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. While you may not be able to see beluga whales or gray whales, there are still humpback whales and killer whales that you can see during this time. Hours In the summertime, Atlantic puffins live among rocky bluffs in northern Europe and the North Atlantic. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab gift card you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. Photograph Katmai's famous brown bears once Brooks Lodge closes and visitors disappearwe fly by private floatplane to watch them fatten up on the salmon that remain! Tours must be purchased in addition to General Admission tickets. Our first stop is at the Gull Island bird rookery, where you get up close and personal with up to 15,000 sea birds. Hunt for Kittlitz's Murrelets,Aleutian Terns and more Kachemak Bay is home to many unique and wonderful sea birds and our company specialty is sharing them with our clients. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. That is about a 3 hour drive one way. When the day winds down, relax in open layouts with custom-designed furniture made from beetle killed spruce trees and large windows with stunning vistas. Since this is a very concentrated area of whales, Southeast Alaska offers the best whale watching in Alaska. Amenities of this spacious underground cabin include: Nestled above the resort, the Eagles Nest boasts 180-degree views of Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains. The concept behind the Ride Along Tour is that clients can join an existing water taxi trip. Have a question or comment? So, going when its warmer on the water is really nice and a lot more enjoyable than being there when its super cold and you have to wear tons of layers while youre on the boat. The Otter can sleep up to four, but we recommend no more than two. HOME BLOG ABOUT WORK WITH ME PRIVACY POLICY RETURN POLICY DISCLOSURE. The island plays host to both the Tufted and Horned varieties and their bizarre and gaudy plumage is a sight to behold in person. In addition to our experience, our smaller, custom built vessels allow us to subtly approach wildlife and then take the time to watch it in its natural setting.